Capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such a capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device

ABSTRACT

A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which is provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The capsule comprises a bearing for the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, said bearing enclosing at least a portion of the free contact end of the annular element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.15/811,524, filed Nov. 13, 2017 which is a continuation of InternationalApplication Number PCT/NL2016/050342 filed May 13, 2016, which claimsthe benefit of and priority to International Application NumberPCT/NL2015/050349 filed May 15, 2015, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The invention relates to a capsule containing a substance for thepreparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving thesubstance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule,wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a centralcapsule body axis, said aluminum capsule body being provided with abottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending flange, the capsulefurther comprising an aluminum cover attached to the outwardly extendingflange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsulefurther comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange forproviding a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beveragepreparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed bymeans of a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as anextraction plate of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between theenclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation devicecomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end, said free contact end of the annular elementoptionally being provided with a plurality of radially extending opengrooves.

The invention also relates to a system for preparing a potable beveragefrom a capsule using a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsulecomprising:

-   -   a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for        receiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises        fluid injection means for supplying fluid under pressure into        the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation device further        comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, for        closing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,        wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device        further comprises an annular element having a central annular        element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end of        the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality        of radially extending open grooves;    -   a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a        potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance        by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule        by the fluid injection means of the beverage preparation device,        wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a        central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsule body being        provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extending        flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover        attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover        hermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further        comprises a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for        providing a fluid sealing contact with the enclosing member of        the beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in        the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the        enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of the        beverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending        flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealing        member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the        enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage        preparation device.

Furthermore the invention relates to the use of a capsule in a beveragepreparation device comprising an enclosing member for receiving thecapsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid injection meansfor supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein thebeverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such asan extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device further comprises an annular element having a centralannular element axis and a free contact end, said free contact end ofthe annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves; wherein the capsule contains asubstance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/ordissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressureinto the capsule by the fluid injection means of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the capsule comprises an aluminum capsulebody having a central capsule body axis, said aluminum capsule bodybeing provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardly extendingflange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum cover attached to theoutwardly extending flange, the cover hermetically closing the capsule,wherein the capsule further comprises a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of the closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such that the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule and at least a portion of the sealing member of the capsuleare sealingly engaged between the enclosing member and the closingmember of the beverage preparation device.

Such a capsule, system and use are known from EP-B-1 700 548. In theknown system the capsule is provided with a sealing member having theshape of a step, i.e. a sudden increase of the diameter of the side wallof the capsule, and the enclosing member of this known system has asealing surface acting on the sealing member to provide deflection ofthe sealing member, the sealing surface being inclined so that thedeflection of the sealing member is an inwards and downwards deformationof the step. Furthermore in the known system the enclosing membercomprises a capsule holder and a manually operated or an automaticmechanism for relative displacement of the enclosing member and thecapsule holder. The manually operated or automatic mechanism applies aforce on the sealing member of the capsule when the enclosing membercloses on the capsule holder. This force should ensure the fluid tightseal between the enclosing member and the capsule. Because the manuallyoperated or automatic mechanism is arranged to be moved relative to thebase, the sealing capabilities of the system can depend on the pressureof the fluid injected by the fluid injection means. If the pressure ofthe fluid increases, the force between the sealing member of the capsuleand the free end of the enclosing member increases too and thereby theforce between the sealing member of the capsule and the free end of theenclosing member increases also. Such a system is described further on.The sealing member of the capsule must be arranged such that uponreaching the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member the sealingmember should still provide a fluid sealing contact between theenclosing member and the capsule. However, the sealing member must alsobe arranged such that prior to, or at the start of, brewing when thepressure of the fluid in the enclosing member outside the capsule isrelatively low, the sealing member also provides a fluid sealing contactbetween the enclosing member and the capsule. If at the start ofbrewing, there would not exist a fluid sealing contact between thecapsule and the enclosing member, leakage will occur. However, ifleakage occurs there is a real chance that the pressure in the enclosingmember and outside the capsule will not sufficiently increase forincreasing the force on the sealing member by means of the free end ofthe enclosing member if the manually operated or automatic mechanismmoves the enclosing member towards the capsule holder. Only if there isa sufficient initial sealing, the pressure in the enclosing member willincrease whereby also the force of the free end of the enclosing memberacting on the sealing member of the capsule will increase for providinga sufficient fluid sealing contact at also the increased fluid pressure.Moreover, this increased fluid pressure outside the capsule alsoprovides an increased fluid pressure inside the capsule which isessential if the capsule is provided with a cover which is arranged totear open on relief members of the capsule holder (also called anextraction plate) of the beverage preparation device under the influenceof fluid pressure in the capsule.

It follows from the above that the sealing member is a member which isvery critical in design. It should be able to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the enclosing member and the capsule at a relatively lowfluid pressure if only a relatively small force is applied on thesealing member by means of the free end of the enclosing member but itshould also provide a fluid sealing contact at a much higher fluidpressure in the enclosing member outside the capsule if a higher forceis applied by means of the free end of the enclosing member to thesealing member of the capsule. In particular when the free contact endof the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooveswhich act as air inlet passage once the force between the enclosingmember and the capsule holder is released so that it is easier for auser to take out the capsule, the sealing member must also be able to‘close’ the radially extending open grooves to provide an effectiveseal.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative sealingmember which is relatively easy to manufacture, which is environmentallyfriendly if the capsule is disposed of after use and/or which provide asatisfactory sealing even in case of an enclosing member of which thefree contact end is provided with radially extending open grooves.

The invention has also as an object to provide an alternative system forpreparing a potable beverage from a capsule and to provide analternative use of a capsule in a beverage preparation device.

In accordance with the invention there is provided in a first aspect acapsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverageby extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying afluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises analuminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, said aluminumcapsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and an outwardlyextending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminum coverattached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealingmember at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealingcontact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device, such as an extractionplate of the beverage preparation device, such that the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of the sealingmember of the capsule are sealingly engaged between the enclosing memberand the closing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device comprises an annularelement having a central annular element axis and a free contact end,said free contact end of the annular element optionally being providedwith a plurality of radially extending open grooves, characterized inthat, the capsule comprises a bearing for the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device, said bearing enclosing at least a portion of thefree contact end of the annular element wherein prior to use at least afirst portion of the bearing lays at a first height above the coverwherein, in use, upon closing of the enclosing member by means of theclosing member the at least one first portion of the bearing is loweredby means of the free contact end of the annular element being movedtowards the closing element wherein the bearing is at least partlyfolded over the free contact end of the annular element so that afterclosing of the enclosing member by means of the closing member the atleast one first portion of the bearing lays at a second height above thecover wherein the first height is larger than the second height and thesecond height may be zero. Since the bearing encloses at least a portionof the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device a satisfactory sealing can be obtained. Sucha bearing can be relatively easy to manufacture. Furthermore the capsulecan provide a satisfactory sealing with the free contact end providedwith radially extending open grooves. Because upon closing of theenclosing member the bearing is at least partly folded over the freecontact end of the annular element an excellent sealing engagementbetween capsule and enclosing member is obtained. In this applicationthe existence of a fluid sealing contact means that 0-6%, preferably0-4%, more preferably 0-2.5% of the total fluid supplied to theenclosing member for preparing the beverage may leak away due to leakagebetween the free contact end and the sealing member of the capsule.

The invention is in particular advantageous when, in an embodiment of acapsule, the capsule is filled with 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams,more preferably 5-7 grams of an extractable product, such as roasted andground coffee.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule is larger than the diameter of thebottom of the capsule. Preferably, the outer diameter of the outwardlyextending flange is approximately 37.1 mm and the diameter of the bottomof the capsule is about 23.3 mm.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the thickness of the aluminum capsule body is 20 to 120micrometer, preferably 100 micrometer.

The invention is in particular advantageous when in an embodiment of acapsule the thickness of the aluminum cover is 15 to 65 micrometer,preferably 30-45 micrometer and more preferably 39 micrometer.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention the wallthickness of the aluminum cover is smaller than the wall thickness ofthe aluminum capsule body.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thealuminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is inparticular easy to manufacture the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody has a free end opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flangeextending from said free end of the side wall in a direction at leastsubstantially transverse to the central capsule body axis. Preferably,the outwardly extending flange comprises a curled outer edge, which isbeneficial in obtaining for a satisfactory sealing with the free contactend provided with radially extending open grooves. The radius about thecentral capsule body axis of an inner edge of the curled outer edge ofthe outwardly extending flange is preferably at least 32 mm, so thatclearance from the annular end surface of the enclosure member isensured. It is then preferred that the sealing member is positionedbetween the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsule body andan inner edge of the curled outer edge of the outwardly extending flangeto obtain a still further satisfactory sealing.

To ensure that the curled outer edge does not interfere with operationof a wide variety of commercially available and future beveragepreparation apparatuses, the outwardly extending flange has a largestradial cross-sectional dimension of about 1.2 millimeter.

The invention is in particular beneficial for capsules of which theinner diameter of the free end of the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody is about 29.5 mm. The distance between the free end of the sidewall of the aluminum capsule body and an outermost edge of the outwardlyextending flange can be about 3.8 millimeter. The preferred height ofthe aluminum capsule body is about 28.4 mm.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which after useis easier for a user to take out of a beverage preparation device thealuminum capsule body is truncated, wherein preferably the side wall ofthe aluminum capsule body encloses an angle with a line transverse tothe central capsule body axis of about 97.5°.

In an advantageous embodiment of a capsule according to the inventionthe bottom of the aluminum capsule body has a largest inner diameter ofabout 23.3 mm. It is preferred that the bottom of the aluminum capsulebody is truncated, preferably having a bottom height of about 4.0 mm andthat the bottom further has a generally flat central portion oppositethe cover having a diameter of about 8.3 mm.

In practically all cases a satisfactory seal can be obtained in anembodiment of a capsule according to the invention in which the heightof the sealing member portion to be contacted first by the free end ofthe enclosure member when the enclosure member is closed is at leastabout 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferably atleast 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and mostpreferably at most 1.2 mm.

In a preferred embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an inner surface, and wherein on the inner surface ofat least the side wall of the capsule an inner coating is provided. Inparticular when the capsule is manufactured by deep drawing the innercoating facilitates the deep drawing process. In case the aluminum coverof the capsule is attached to the outwardly extending flange by means ofa sealing lacquer it is then in particular advantageous when said innercoating being composed of the same material as the sealing lacquer. Independence of the inner coating used it is preferred that the sealingmember is free from an inner coating in order to prevent crumbling offof the inner coating from the sealing member.

In a further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention thecapsule comprises an outer surface, wherein on the outer surface of thecapsule a color lacquer is provided. In order to facilitate in deepdrawing it is preferred to provide on an outer surface of the colorlacquer an outer coating. In dependence of the color lacquer and outercoating used it is preferred that the sealing member is free from acolor lacquer (and consequently the outer coating) in order to preventcrumbling off of the color lacquer/outer coating from the sealingmember.

In an embodiment of a capsule according to the invention which is eastto manufacture the bearing enclosing at least a portion of the freecontact end of the annular element is at least partly formed by thesealing member.

Preferably the sealing member of the capsule then comprises two spacedprojections, each projecting from the outwardly extending flange and aplateau between the two projections so that the at least one firstportion of the plateau defines a predetermined depth of a space betweenthe two projections, wherein the radial distance between the twoprojections is such that the free contact end of the annular element isenclosed by the two projections if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device and wherein prior to use the at least one firstportion of the plateau lays at a first height above the cover so thatthe space has a first depth wherein, in use, upon closing of theenclosing member by means of the closing member the at least one firstportion of the plateau is lowered by means of the free contact end ofthe annular element being moved towards the closing element so that theplateau is at least partly folded over the free contact end whereinafter closing of the enclosing member by means of the closing member,the at least one first portion of the plateau lays at a second heightabove the cover wherein the first height is larger than the secondheight and the second height may be zero and so that the space has asecond depth relative to the at least one first portion which is largerthan the first depth. Because upon closing of the enclosing member theplateau is at least partly folded over the free contact end of theannular element an excellent sealing engagement between capsule andenclosing member is obtained. Also the fact that the depth of said spaceis increased so that a relative large portion of the annular element ispositioned in the space improves the sealing engagement between thecapsule and the enclosing member.

It is then also advantageous when the distance between the twoprojections is such that the free contact end of the annular element iscontacted by the two projections if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. The two spaced projections and the plateau can bearranged such that the free contact end of the annular element iscontacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member isclosed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.

Alternatively the sealing member of the capsule then comprises aprojection projecting from the outwardly extending flange and a plateaubetween the projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body,wherein the bearing is formed by the projection, the plateau and theside wall of the aluminum capsule body, wherein the distance between theprojection and the side wall is such that the free contact end of theannular element is enclosed by the projection and the side wall of thealuminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member isclosed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation devicewherein prior to use at least one first portion of the plateau lays at afirst height above the cover, wherein, in use, upon closing of theenclosing member by means of the closing member the at least one firstportion of the plateau is lowered by means of the free contact end ofthe annular element being moved towards the closing element so that theplateau is at least partly folded over the free contact end whereinafter closing of the enclosing member by means of the closing member,the at least one first portion of the plateau lays at a second heightabove the cover wherein the first height is larger than the secondheight and the second height may be zero. Because upon closing of theenclosing member the plateau is at least partly folded over the freecontact end of the annular element an excellent sealing engagementbetween capsule and enclosing member is obtained.

The distance between the projection and the side wall of the aluminumcapsule body can then be such that the free contact end of the annularelement is contacted by the projection and the side wall of the aluminumcapsule body if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device. Preferably theprojection, the side wall of the aluminum capsule body and the plateauare then arranged such that the free contact end of the annular elementis contacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device.

In a further embodiment of the capsule according to the invention inwhich the sealing can be improved further, at least one projectioncomprises a projection top, and wherein the at least one projection isconfigured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on thefree contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned inthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. In particular when the plateau is substantially flatand is inclined with regard to the outwardly extending flange of thealuminum capsule body the exerted force provides an additional sealingeffect.

In a still further embodiment of a capsule according to the invention atleast one projection comprises projection side wall which is inclinedwith regard to the outwardly extending flange of the aluminum capsulebody.

The plateau is substantially flat or can comprise a curved portion,preferably adapted to the shape of the free contact end of the annularelement.

In accordance with the invention there is provided in a second aspect asystem for preparing a potable beverage from a capsule using a fluidsupplied under pressure into the capsule comprising:

a beverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member forreceiving the capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluidinjection means for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule,wherein the beverage preparation device further comprises a closingmember, such as an extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device, wherein the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device further comprises an annular element havinga central annular element axis and a free contact end, said free contactend of the annular element optionally being provided with a plurality ofradially extending open grooves;

a capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of thefluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluid injectionmeans of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprisesan aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, saidaluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and anoutwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminumcover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealingmember at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealingcontact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between theenclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice, characterized in that, the capsule comprises a bearing for theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, said bearing enclosing at least a portionof the free contact end of the annular element. Since the bearingencloses at least a portion of the free contact end of the annularelement if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device a satisfactorysealing can be obtained. Such a bearing can be relatively easy tomanufacture. Furthermore in such a system the capsule provides asatisfactory sealing with the free contact end provided with theradially extending open grooves.

Regarding the preferred embodiments of the system as mentioned in thedependent claims which relate to the same features as the features ofthe dependent claims of the capsule reference is made to the above.

The invention is particularly suitable in a system according to theinvention wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar. Even at this high pressures asatisfactory seal between capsule and beverage preparation device can beobtained.

Preferably the system is arranged such that, in use, during brewing, afree end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceexerts a force F2 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide afluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In particular the system isarranged such that, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, a freeend of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device exerts aforce F1 on the sealing member of the capsule to provide a fluid sealingcontact between the outwardly extending flange of the capsule and theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is inthe range of 30-150 N preferably in the range of 40-150 N, morepreferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the rangeof 0.1-4 bar, preferably between 0.1-1 bar.

In an embodiment of a system according to the invention wherein theplurality of radially extending open grooves are uniformly spacedrelative to each other in tangential direction of the free contact endof the annular element of the beverage preparation device so that it iseasier for a user to take out the capsule while a satisfactory sealbetween capsule and beverage preparation device can still be provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of a system according to the invention thelongest tangential width of each groove (top to top, i.e. equal to thegroove to groove pitch) is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove inan axial direction of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice is 0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably0.045 to 0.055 mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number ofgrooves is 90 to 110, preferably 96. The radial width of the annular endsurface at the location of the grooves may for instance be 0.05-0.9 mm,preferably 0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm.

The invention is in particular suitable when applied to an embodiment ofa system according to the invention in which during use when the closingmember of the beverage preparation device closes the enclosing member ofthe beverage preparation device at least the free contact end of theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device can move relative tothe closing member of the beverage preparation device under the effectof the pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device towards the closing member of the beveragepreparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device. The enclosing member may comprise a first part and asecond part wherein the second part comprises the free contact end ofthe enclosing member wherein the second part can move relative to thefirst part between a first and second position. The second part can movefrom the first positon towards the second position in the direction ofthe closing member under the influence of fluid pressure in theenclosing member. The force F1 as discussed above may be reached if thesecond part is in the first position with a fluid pressure P1. The forceF2 as discussed above may be reached if the second part is moved towardsthe second position under the influence of the fluid pressure P2 in theenclosing member.

In accordance with the invention there is provided in a third aspect ause of a capsule according to the invention in a beverage preparationdevice comprising an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, whereinthe enclosing member comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluidunder pressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation devicefurther comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, forclosing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, whereinthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device furthercomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end, said free contact end of the annular elementoptionally being provided with a plurality of radial grooves; whereinthe capsule contains a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of thefluid supplied under pressure into the capsule by the fluid injectionmeans of the beverage preparation device, wherein the capsule comprisesan aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis, saidaluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall and anoutwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising an aluminumcover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the cover hermeticallyclosing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprises a sealingmember at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealingcontact with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of theclosing member of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between theenclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice. Regarding the advantage of the inventive use and the preferredembodiments of the use as mentioned in the dependent claims which relateto the same features as the features of the dependent claims of thecapsule or the dependent claims of the system reference is made to theabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of, non-limiting,examples referring to the drawing, in which

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a systemaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 in a perspective view shows an embodiment of a beveragepreparation device of a system according to the invention showing thefree contact end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice with the plurality of radially extending open grooves;

FIG. 3A in cross section shows an embodiment of a capsule according tothe invention before use;

FIG. 3B shows an enlarged detail of a the capsule of FIG. 3A showing theoutwardly extending flange and the sealing member;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged detail of the outwardly extending flange ofthe capsule in FIGS. 3A and 3B after use;

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention;

FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention; and

FIG. 4E shows a fifth embodiment of a sealing member at the outwardlyextending flange of a capsule according to the invention.

In the Figures and the following description, like reference numeralsrefer to like features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation, in cross sectional view, of anembodiment of a system 1 for preparing a potable beverage from a capsuleusing a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule. The system 1comprises a capsule 2, and a beverage preparation device 4. The device 4comprises enclosing member 6 for holding the capsule 2. The device 4further comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, 8 forsupporting the capsule 2.

In FIG. 1 a gap is drawn between the capsule 2, the enclosing member 6and the extraction plate 8 for clarity. It will be appreciated that, inuse, the capsule 2 may lie in contact with the enclosing member 6 andthe extraction plate member 8. Commonly, the enclosing member 6 has ashape complementary to the shape of the capsule 2. The apparatus 4further comprises a fluid injection means 10 for supplying an amount ofa fluid, such as water, under a pressure in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar, to the exchangeable capsule 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exchangeable capsule 2 comprises analuminum capsule body 12 having a central capsule body axis 12A and analuminum cover 14. In the present context, the meaning of ‘aluminum’ isunderstood to also include aluminum alloy. In this example, the aluminumcapsule body 12 comprises a side wall 16, a bottom 18 closing the sidewall 16 at a first end, and a outwardly extending flange 20 extendingoutwardly of the circumferential wall 16 at a second end opposite thebottom 18. The side wall 16, the bottom 18 and the cover 14 enclose aninner space 22 comprising a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance. Preferably thesubstance is 5-20 grams, preferably 5-10 grams, more preferably 5-7grams of roasted and ground coffee for the preparation of a singlebeverage. The capsule is initially sealed, i.e. is hermetically closedprior to use.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 comprises bottom piercing means 24 for piercingthe bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating at least one entranceopening 25 in the bottom 18 for supplying the fluid to the extractableproduct through the entrance opening 25.

The system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises cover piercing means 26, hereembodied as protrusions of the closing member 8, for piercing the cover14 of the capsule 2. The cover piercing means 26 may be arranged to tearthe cover 14 once a (fluid) pressure inside the inner space 22 exceeds athreshold pressure and presses the cover 14 against the cover piercingmeans 26 with sufficient force. The aluminum cover 14 thus is arrangedto tear open on the closing member 8 of the beverage preparation deviceunder the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.

The capsule 2 further comprises a sealing member 28, in FIGS. 1, 3A and3B indicated as a general box but more detailed described with regard toFIGS. 4A-4E, which sealing member 28 is arranged at the outwardlyextending flange 20 for providing a fluid sealing contact with theenclosing member 6 if the capsule 2 is positioned in the enclosingmember 6 and the enclosing member 6 is closed by means of the extractionplate 8, such that the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2and at least a portion of the sealing member 28 are sealingly engagedbetween the enclosing member 6 and the extraction plate 8. This meansthat a fluid sealing contact between the sealing member and the freecontact end is established.

As shown in FIG. 2 the enclosing member 6 of the beverage preparationdevice comprises an annular element 41 having a central annular elementaxis 41A and a free contact end 30. The free contact end 30 of theannular element 41 is provided with a plurality of radially extendingopen grooves 40. The plurality of radially extending open grooves 40 areuniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction of thefree contact end 30 of the annular element 41. The longest tangentialwidth of each groove 40 is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, morepreferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm, wherein a maximal height of each groove 40in an axial direction of the enclosing member 6 is 0.01-0.09 mm,preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, and mostpreferred 0.05 mm. The number of grooves 40 lies in the range of 90 to110, preferably 96. Usually, the radial width of the free end at thelocation of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, more specifically 0.2-0.7 mm,more specifically 0.3-0.55 mm.

An embodiment of a capsule according to the invention is shown moredetailed in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the shown embodiment the outer diameterODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is larger than the diameter DBof the bottom 18 of the capsule 2. In the shown embodiment the outerdiameter ODF of the outwardly extending flange 20 is approximately 37.1mm and the diameter DB of the bottom 18 is about 23.3 mm. The thicknessof the aluminum capsule body 12 is 100 micrometer, but in otherembodiments the thickness can be 20 to 120 micrometer.

In the shown embodiment, the wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is39 micrometer. The wall thickness of the aluminum cover 14 is preferablysmaller than the thickness of the aluminum capsule body 12.

The side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 has a free end 42opposite the bottom 18. The inner diameter IDF of the free end 42 of theside wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 is about 29.5 mm. Theoutwardly extending flange 20 extends from that free end 42 in adirection at least substantially transverse to the central capsule bodyaxis 12A. The outwardly extending flange 20 comprises a curled outeredge 43 which is beneficial for obtaining a seal between the capsule andthe enclosing member. In the shown embodiment the curled outer edge 43of the outwardly extending flange 20 has a largest dimension of about1.2 millimeter. The distance DIF between the free end 42 of the sidewall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and an inner edge 43A of thecurled outer edge 43 is about 2.7 mm, while the distance DOF between thefree end 42 of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and anoutermost edge 43B of the outwardly extending flange 20 is about 3.8millimeter. The radius about the central capsule body axis of the inneredge 43A of the curled outer edge 43 is preferably at least 32 mm.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the sealing member 28 is positioned betweenthe free end of the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body 12 and theinner edge 43A of the curled outer edge 42 of the outwardly extendingflange. The sealing member 28 is indicated as a general box, but will bedescribed in more detail below. Irrespective of the embodiment of thesealing member 28 the height of the sealing member portion to becontacted first by the free end of the enclosure member when theenclosure member is closed is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably atleast 0.2 mm and most preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, morepreferably at most 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm for providinga correct seal.

As can be seen from FIG. 3A the aluminum capsule body 12 is truncated.In the embodiment shown, the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body12 encloses an angle A with a line transverse to the central capsulebody axis 12A of about 97.5°. The bottom 18 of the aluminum capsule body12 has an largest inner diameter DB of about 23.3 mm. The bottom 18 ofthe aluminum capsule body 12 is also truncated, and in the shownembodiment has a bottom height BH of about 4.0 mm. The bottom 18 furtherhas an a generally flat central portion 18A opposite the cover 14, whichcentral portion 18A has a diameter DEE of about 8.3 mm and in whichcentral portion 18A the entrance opening(s) 25 may be made. The entranceopenings may also be made in the truncated portion between the centralportion 18A and the side wall 16. The total height TH of the aluminumcapsule body 12 of the capsule is about 28.4 mm.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is operated as follows for preparing a cupof potable beverage, in the present example coffee, the substance in thecapsule being roasted and ground coffee.

The capsule 2 is placed in the enclosing member 6. The extraction plate8 is brought into contact with the capsule 2. The bottom piercing means24 pierce the bottom 18 of the capsule 2 for creating the entranceopenings 25. The fluid, here hot water under pressure, is supplied tothe extractable product in the inner space 22 through the entranceopenings 25. The water will wet the coffee grounds and extract thedesired substances to form the coffee beverage.

During supplying the water under pressure to the inner space 22, thepressure inside the capsule 2 will rise. The rise in pressure will causethe cover 14 to deform and be pressed against the lid piercing means 26of the extraction plate. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, thetear strength of the cover 14 will be surpassed and the cover 14 willrupture against the lid piercing means 26, creating exit openings. Theprepared coffee will drain from the capsule 2 through the exit openingsand outlets 32 (see FIG. 1) of the extraction plate 8, and may besupplied to a container such as a cup (not shown).

The system 1 is arranged such that prior to or at the start of brewing,the free end 30 of the enclosing member 6 exerts a force F1 on thesealing member 28 of the capsule 2 to provide a fluid sealing contactbetween the outwardly extending flange 20 of the capsule 2 and theenclosing member 6 of the beverage preparation device, wherein F1 is inthe range of 30-150 N preferably 40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N,when the fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar,preferably 0.1-1 bar. During brewing, the free end 30 of the enclosingmember 6 exerts a force F2 on the sealing member 28 of the capsule 2 toprovide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange20 of the capsule 2 and the enclosing member 6, wherein the force F2 isin the range of 500-1500 N, preferably in the range of 750-1250 N, whenthe fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6 of the beveragepreparation device outside the capsule 2 is in the range of 6-20 bar,preferably between 12 and 18 bar. In the shown embodiment the freecontact end of enclosing member 6 can move relative to the extractingplate 8 under the effect of the pressure of the fluid in the enclosingmember 6 device towards the extraction plate 8 for applying the maximumforce F2 between the outwardly extending flange 20 and the free end 30of the enclosing member 6. This movement can take place during use, i.e.in particular at the start of brewing and during brewing. The enclosingmember 6 has a first part 6A and a second part 6B wherein the secondpart comprises the free contact end 30. The second part 6B can moverelative to the first part 6A between a first and second position. Thesecond part 6B can move from the first positon towards the secondposition in the direction of the closing member 8 under the influence offluid pressure in the enclosing member 6. The force F1 as discussedabove may be reached if the second part 6B is in the first position witha fluid pressure P1. The force F2 as discussed above may be reached ifthe second part 6B is moved towards the second position under theinfluence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member 6.

As a result of the force applied the sealing member 28 of the capsuleaccording to the invention undergoes a plastic deformation and closelyconforms to the grooves 40 of the free contact end 30 and thus providesa fluid sealing contact between the enclosing member 6 and the capsule 3at a relatively low fluid pressure during start up of brewing but alsoprovides a fluid sealing contact at the much higher fluid pressure inthe enclosing member outside the capsule during brewing. This closeconformation to the grooves 40 of the enclosing member is indicated inFIG. 3C which shows the capsule 2 of the invention after use, and whichclearly indicates that the outwardly extending flange 20 comprisesdeformations 40′ which conform to the grooves 40 of the enclosingmember.

Now exemplary embodiments of a sealing member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of the capsule 2 according to the invention will bedescribed in more detail with regard to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

FIG. 4A shows a first embodiment of a sealing member 28 forming abearing at the outwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule 2 according tothe invention. The sealing member 28 comprises two spaced projections 50and 51, each projecting from the outwardly extending flange 20. Aplateau 52 is present between the two projections 50 and 51. Thedistance between the two projections 50 and 51 is such that the freecontact end of the annular element 6 is enclosed by the two projections50 and 51 if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4A the plateau is positioned at a distanceabove the portion of the outwardly extending flange 20 between thesealing member 28 and the curled edge 43 and is substantially flat. Thedistance between the two projections 50 and 51 (e.g. 0.9-1.25 mm) isfurther such that the free contact end of the annular element iscontacted by the two projections 50 and 52 if the capsule is positionedin the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. Further, the two spaced projections 50, 51 and theplateau 52 are arranged such that the free contact end of the annularelement is contacted by the plateau if the capsule is positioned in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosingmember is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. At least one first portion of the plateau (in thisexample the whole plateau) defines a predetermined depth of a spacebetween the two projections. As can be seen in FIG. 4A each projection50, 51 comprises a projection side wall which is inclined with regard tothe outwardly extending flange 20 of the aluminum capsule body. It thusholds that the sealing member comprises two spaced projections 50, 51,each projecting from the outwardly extending flange 20 and a plateau 52between the two projections so that at least one first portion of theplateau (in this example the whole plateau) defines a predetermineddepth of a space between the two projections. The radial distancebetween the two projections is such that the free contact end of theannular element is enclosed by the two projections if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device. Prior to use (see FIG. 4A) the at least onefirst portion of the plateau (in this example the whole plateau) lays ata first height above the cover so that the space has a first depthwherein, in use, upon closing of the enclosing member by means of theclosing member at least one first portion of the plateau is lowered bymeans of the free contact end of the annular element being moved towardsthe closing element so that the plateau is at least partly folded overthe free contact end wherein after closing of the enclosing member bymeans of the closing member the at least one first portion of theplateau lays at a second height above the cover (position 52′) whereinthe first height is larger than the second height and the second heightmay be zero and so that the space has a second depth relative to the atleast one first portion which is larger than the first depth.

FIG. 4B shows a second embodiment of a sealing member 28 at theoutwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention.When compared with FIG. 4A the following differences are noted. Eachprojection 50, 51 now comprises projection side wall which is transversewith regard to the outwardly extending flange 20 of the aluminum capsulebody. Further, in this second embodiment the plateau 52 is curved,preferably conforming to the shape of the free contact end of theannular element 6. It thus holds that the sealing member comprises twospaced projections 50, 51, each projecting from the outwardly extendingflange 20 and a plateau 52 between the two projections so that at leastone first portion of the plateau (in this example the middle of theplateau) defines a predetermined depth of a space between the twoprojections. The radial distance between the two projections is suchthat the free contact end of the annular element is enclosed by the twoprojections if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device. Prior to use(see FIG. 4B) the at least one first portion of the plateau (in thisexample the middle of the plateau) lays at a first height above thecover so that the space has a first depth wherein, in use, upon closingof the enclosing member by means of the closing member at least onefirst portion of the plateau is lowered by means of the free contact endof the annular element being moved towards the closing element so thatthe plateau is at least partly folded over the free contact end whereinafter closing of the enclosing member by means of the closing member theat least one first portion of the plateau lays at a second height abovethe cover wherein the first height is larger than the second height andthe second height may be zero and so that the space has a second depthrelative to the at least one first portion which is larger than thefirst depth.

FIG. 4C shows a third embodiment of a sealing member 28 at the outwardlyextending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention, whichtogether with the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body forms abearing for the enclosing member. The shown sealing member 28 comprisesa projection 53 projecting from the outwardly extending flange 20 and aninclined, substantially flat plateau 52 between the top of theprojection 53 and the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body. In thisembodiment the bearing is formed by the projection 53, the plateau 52and the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body. The distance betweenthe top of the projection 53 and the side wall 16 is such that the freecontact end of the annular element 6 is enclosed by the projection 53and the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule ispositioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device. In particular the distance between theprojection 53 and the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body is suchthat the free contact end of the annular element 6 is contacted by theprojection 53 and the side wall 16 and in the shown embodiment also theplateau 52 of the aluminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned inthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. This distance may for instance be 0.9-1.25 mm. Itholds thus that prior to use (see FIG. 4C) at least one first portion ofthe plateau (in this example at least a portion in the middle of theplateau) lays at a first height above the cover. In use, upon closing ofthe enclosing member by means of the closing member the at least onefirst portion of the plateau is lowered by means of the free contact endof the annular element being moved towards the closing element so thatthe plateau is at least partly folded over the free contact end. Afterclosing of the enclosing member by means of the closing member, the atleast one first portion of the plateau lays at a second height above thecover wherein the first height is larger than the second height and thesecond height may be zero.

FIG. 4D shows a fourth embodiment of a sealing member 28 at theoutwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to the invention,which, together with the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsule body,forms a bearing for the enclosing member. When compared with FIG. 4C thefollowing differences are noted. In this fourth embodiment the plateau52 is curved, and comprises a curved portion (which forms in fact aportion of the inner sidewall of the projection 53) and also a flatportion which is situated at the same level as the portion of theoutwardly extending flange 20 between the projection 53 and the curvededge 43. The curved portion preferably conforms to the shape of the freecontact end of the annular element 6. It holds thus that prior to use(see FIG. 4D) at least one first portion of the plateau (in this exampleat least a portion of the inner sidewall of the projection 53) lays at afirst height above the cover. In use, upon closing of the enclosingmember by means of the closing member the at least one first portion ofthe plateau is lowered by means of the free contact end of the annularelement being moved towards the closing element so that the plateau isat least partly folded over the free contact end. After closing of theenclosing member by means of the closing member, the at least one firstportion of the plateau lays at a second height above the cover whereinthe first height is larger than the second height and the second heightmay be zero. FIG. 4E shows a fifth embodiment of a sealing member 28 atthe outwardly extending flange 20 of a capsule according to theinvention, which, together with the side wall 16 of the aluminum capsulebody, forms a bearing for the enclosing member. When compared with FIG.4D the following difference is noted. In this fifth embodiment the flatportion of the plateau 52 is situated at a distance above the portion ofthe outwardly extending flange 20 between the projection 53 and thecurved edge 43. It holds thus that prior (see FIG. 4E) to use at leastone first portion of the plateau (in this example at least a portion ofthe inner sidewall of the projection 53) lays at a first height abovethe cover. In use, upon closing of the enclosing member by means of theclosing member the at least one first portion of the plateau is loweredby means of the free contact end of the annular element being movedtowards the closing element so that the plateau is at least partlyfolded over the free contact end. After closing of the enclosing memberby means of the closing member, the at least one first portion of theplateau lays at a second height above the cover wherein the first heightis larger than the second height and the second height may be zero.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4C to 4E the projection 53 comprisesan outer projection side wall 54 which is transverse to the portion ofthe outwardly extending flange between the projection 53 and the curlededge 43, but in other embodiments this outer projection side wall 54 canbe inclined with regard to said portion of the outwardly extendingflange 20.

In all the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 4E each of the projectionscomprises a projection top. In preferred embodiments at least oneprojection but preferably all projections forming the bearing is/areconfigured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on thefree contact end of the annular element 6 if the capsule is positionedin the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and theenclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beveragepreparation device. Also for each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4Ato 4E it holds that prior to use at least a first portion of the bearinglays at a first height above the cover wherein, in use, upon closing ofthe enclosing member by means of the closing member the at least onefirst portion of the bearing is lowered by means of the free contact endof the annular element being moved towards the closing element whereinthe bearing is at least partly folded over the free contact end of theannular element so that after closing of the enclosing member by meansof the closing member the at least one first portion of the bearing laysat a second height above the cover wherein the first height is largerthan the second height and the second height may be zero.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madetherein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potablebeverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means ofsupplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein the capsulecomprises an aluminum capsule body having a central capsule body axis,said aluminum capsule body being provided with a bottom, a side wall andan outwardly extending flange, the capsule further comprising analuminum cover attached to the outwardly extending flange, the coverhermetically closing the capsule, wherein the capsule further comprisesa sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluidsealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparationdevice if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device, such as anextraction plate of the beverage preparation device, such that theoutwardly extending flange of the capsule and at least a portion of thesealing member of the capsule are sealingly engaged between theenclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparationdevice, wherein the enclosing member of the beverage preparation devicecomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end, characterized in that, the capsule comprises a bearingfor the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device, said bearingenclosing at least a portion of the free contact end of the annularelement, wherein prior to use at least a first portion of the bearinglays at a first height above the cover, wherein, in use, upon closing ofthe enclosing member by means of the closing member the at least onefirst portion of the bearing is lowered by means of the free contact endof the annular element being moved towards the closing element whereinthe bearing is at least partly folded over the free contact end of theannular element so that after closing of the enclosing member by meansof the closing member the at least one first portion of the bearing laysat a second height above the cover wherein the first height is largerthan the second height and the second height may be zero, wherein thebearing enclosing at least a portion of the free contact end of theannular element is at least partly formed by the sealing member andwherein the sealing member comprises a projection projecting from theoutwardly extending flange and a plateau between the projection and theside wall of the aluminum capsule body, wherein the bearing is formed bythe projection, plateau and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body,wherein the distance between the projection and the side wall is suchthat the free contact end of the annular element is enclosed by theprojection and the side wall of the aluminum capsule body if the capsuleis positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceand the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, wherein prior to use at least one firstportion of the plateau lays at a first height above the cover, wherein,in use, upon closing of the enclosing member by means of the closingmember the at least one first portion of the plateau is lowered by meansof the free contact end of the annular element being moved towards theclosing element so that the plateau is at least partly folded over thefree contact end wherein after closing of the enclosing member by meansof the closing member, the at least one first portion of the plateaulays at a second height above the cover wherein the first height islarger than the second height and the second height may be zero. 2.Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the aluminumcapsule body is 20 to 120 micrometer, preferably 100 micrometer. 3.Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the aluminum cover is arranged totear open on a closing member of the beverage preparation device, suchas an extraction plate of the beverage preparation device under theinfluence of fluid pressure in the capsule.
 4. Capsule according toclaim 1, wherein the side wall of the aluminum capsule body has a freeend opposite the bottom, the outwardly extending flange extending fromsaid free end of the side wall in a direction at least substantiallytransverse to the central capsule body axis, wherein the outwardlyextending flange comprises a curled outer edge, wherein the sealingmember is positioned between the free end of the side wall of thealuminum capsule body and an inner edge of the curled outer edge of theoutwardly extending flange.
 5. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein theheight of the sealing member portion to be contacted first by the freeend of the enclosing member when the enclosing member is closed is atleast about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm and most preferablyat least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2 mm and mostpreferably at most 1.2 mm.
 6. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein thedistance between the projection and the side wall of the aluminumcapsule body is such that the free contact end of the annular element iscontacted by the projection and the side wall of the aluminum capsulebody if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by meansof a closing member of the beverage preparation device.
 7. Capsuleaccording to claim 1, wherein the projection, the side wall of thealuminum capsule body and the plateau are arranged such that the freecontact end of the annular element is contacted by the plateau if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.
 8. Capsule accordingto claim 1, wherein the projection comprises a projection top, andwherein the projection is configured such that its projection top exertsa radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.
 9. Capsule accordingto claim 1, wherein projection comprises projection side wall which isinclined with regard to the outwardly extending flange of the aluminumcapsule body.
 10. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the plateau issubstantially flat.
 11. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein theplateau comprises a curved portion.
 12. Capsule according to claim 1,wherein the plateau is substantially flat and wherein the plateau isinclined with regard to the outwardly extending flange of the aluminumcapsule body.
 13. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealingmember is deformable such that said bearing fluid sealingly encloses atleast a portion of the free contact end of the annular element if, inuse, the maximum fluid pressure in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device is in the range of 6-20 bar, preferably between 12and 18 bar
 14. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing memberis deformable such that said bearing fluid sealingly encloses at least aportion of the free contact end of the annular element if, duringbrewing, said free contact end of the annular element exerts a force F2on the sealing member of the capsule, wherein F2 is in the range of500-1500 N preferably in the range of 750-1250 N when the fluid pressureP2 in said enclosing member outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.
 15. Capsule according to claim 1,wherein the sealing member is deformable such that said bearing fluidsealingly encloses at least a portion of the free contact end of theannular element if, in use, prior to or at the start of brewing, saidfree contact end of the annular element exerts a force F1 on the sealingmember of the capsule, wherein the force F1 is in the range of 30-150 N,preferably 40-150 N and more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluidpressure P1 in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation deviceoutside the capsule is in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar.16. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member isdeformable such that said bearing fluid sealingly encloses at least aportion of the free contact end of the annular element if the freecontact end of the annular element that is pressed against the sealingmember has a plurality of radially extending open grooves uniformlyspaced relative to each other in circumferential sense of said freecontact end of the annular element.
 17. Capsule according to claim 16,wherein the sealing member is deformable such that said bearingsealingly encloses at least a portion of the free contact end of theannular element if the greatest width of each of said grooves is 0.9-1.1mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably 0.98 to 1.02 mm whereina maximal height of each of said grooves in an axial direction of theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device is 0.01-0.09 mm,preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055 mm, mostpreferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number of said grooves is 90 to 110,preferably
 96. 18. Capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealingmember and the remainder of the capsule body are made of the same platematerial.
 19. System for preparing a potable beverage from a capsuleusing a fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule comprising: acapsule according to claim 1; and a beverage preparation devicecomprising an enclosing member for receiving the capsule, wherein theenclosing member comprises fluid injection means for supplying fluidunder pressure into the capsule, wherein the beverage preparation devicefurther comprises a closing member, such as an extraction plate, forclosing the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device, whereinthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device furthercomprises an annular element having a central annular element axis and afree contact end.
 20. System according to claim 19, wherein said freecontact end of the annular element is provided with a plurality ofradially extending grooves.
 21. System according to claim 19, whereinthe aluminum cover is arranged to tear open on a closing member of thebeverage preparation device, such as an extraction plate of the beveragepreparation device under the influence of fluid pressure in the capsule.22. System according to claim 19, wherein the height of the sealingmember portion that is contacted first by the free end of the enclosingmember is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm andmost preferably at least 0.8 mm and at most 3 mm, more preferably atmost 2 mm and most preferably at most 1.2 mm.
 23. System according toclaim 19, wherein the distance between the projection and the side wallof the aluminum capsule body is such that the free contact end of theannular element is contacted by the projection and the side wall of thealuminum capsule body if the capsule is positioned in the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member isclosed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.24. System according to claim 19, wherein the projection, the side wallof the aluminum capsule body and the plateau are arranged such that thefree contact end of the annular element is contacted by the plateau ifthe capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.
 25. System accordingto claim 19, wherein the projection comprises a projection top, andwherein the projection is configured such that its projection top exertsa radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if thecapsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of aclosing member of the beverage preparation device.
 26. System accordingto claim 19, wherein, in use, the maximum fluid pressure in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device is in the range of6-20 bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.
 27. System according toclaim 19, wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, duringbrewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beverage preparationdevice exerts a force F2 on the sealing member of the capsule to providea fluid sealing contact between the outwardly extending flange of thecapsule and the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device,wherein F2 is in the range of 500-1500 N preferably in the range of750-1250 N when the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member of thebeverage preparation device outside the capsule is in the range of 6-20bar, preferably between 12 and 18 bar.
 28. System according to claim 19,wherein the system is arranged such that, in use, prior to or at thestart of brewing, a free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device exerts a force F1 on the sealing member of thecapsule to provide a fluid sealing contact between the outwardlyextending flange of the capsule and the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein F1 is in the range of 30-150 N preferably40-150 N, more preferably 50-100 N, when the fluid pressure P1 in theenclosing member of the beverage preparation device outside the capsuleis in the range of 0.1-4 bar, preferably 0.1-1 bar.
 29. System accordingto claim 20, wherein the plurality of radially extending open groovesare uniformly spaced relative to each other in tangential direction ofthe free contact end of the annular element of the beverage preparationdevice.
 30. System according to claim 29, wherein the greatest width ofeach groove is 0.9-1.1 mm, preferably 0.95 to 1.05 mm, more preferably0.98 to 1.02 mm wherein a maximal height of each groove in an axialdirection of the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device is0.01-0.09 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.045 to 0.055mm, most preferred 0.05 mm and wherein the number of grooves is 90 to110, preferably 96 and wherein optionally the radial width of the freecontact end at the location of the grooves is 0.05-0.9 mm, preferably0.2-0.7 mm and more preferably 0.3-0.55 mm.
 31. System according toclaim 19, wherein during use when the closing member of the beveragepreparation device closes the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device at least the free contact end of the enclosing memberof the beverage preparation device can move relative to the closingmember of the beverage preparation device under the effect of thepressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device towards the closing member of the beveragepreparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein optionally the enclosing member comprises afirst part and a second part wherein the second part comprises the freecontact end of the enclosing member wherein the second part can moverelative to the first part between a first and second position whereinthe second part can move from the first position towards the secondposition in the direction of the closing member under the influence offluid pressure in the enclosing member wherein optionally the force F1according to claim 28 is reached if the second part is in the firstposition with a fluid pressure P1 in the enclosing member as indicatedin claim 28 and wherein optionally the force F2 according to claim 27 isreached if the second part is moved towards the second position underthe influence of the fluid pressure P2 in the enclosing member asindicated in claim
 27. 32. System according to claim 19, wherein duringuse when the closing member of the beverage preparation device closesthe enclosing member of the beverage preparation device the enclosingmember of the beverage preparation device can move relative to theclosing member of the beverage preparation device under the effect ofthe pressure of the fluid in the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device towards the closing member of the beveragepreparation device for applying the maximum force between the flange ofthe capsule and the free end of the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device.
 33. Use of a capsule according to claim 1 in abeverage preparation device comprising an enclosing member for receivingthe capsule, wherein the enclosing member comprises fluid injectionmeans for supplying fluid under pressure into the capsule, wherein thebeverage preparation device further comprises a closing member, such asan extraction plate, for closing the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device, wherein the enclosing member of the beveragepreparation device further comprises an annular element having a centralannular element axis and a free contact end.